A Christmas Carol With An East Suffolk Twist

You can pick up everything from a partridge to a pear tree in East Suffolk this Christmas – and lots more besides – thanks to a clever rewrite of a famous carol. 

The Twelve Days of Christmas has been given a new lease of life as part of a Think Local campaign by East Suffolk Council to support local businesses throughout the winter – and will be showcased across its social media channels throughout December. 

From Five Felixstowe Sprouts to Seven Sax Sausages, the lyrics champion different shops across 12 towns and villages in the district – with the track sung by an 11-year-old girl from Woodbridge. 

Cllr Craig Rivett, East Suffolk’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development said: “This is a fabulous, creative and festive way for us to showcase some of our brilliant independent shops and is designed to encourage people to really embrace what they have on their doorstep this Christmas. You can source everything from your turkey to your trimmings at local shops and by investing in, and supporting, local businesses, you are supporting the local economy and local community too.” 

The song was composed by Woodbridge-based PR company Satsuma with recording, mixing, and mastering by Sophie Tott, also from the area. 

But the star of the show is vocalist Bella Wood, a pupil at Farlingaye High School who is a Grade 7 cello and Grade 4 piano player, member of Symphonia, the South Suffolk Youth Orchestra and Pro Corda and part of the Children’s Theatre Company. 
  
She said: “I think it’s really important to support our local shops, who have had a really difficult time with the pandemic. I love the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge – my family and I will definitely be shopping there this Christmas.” 

Also featured on the track is Mayor of Bungay John Adams.  He said: “East Suffolk is teaming with great places to visit, wonderful shops to explore and incredible places to eat and drink. Bungay is one of those and I am incredibly proud to be part of this campaign that celebrates the diverse and unique high streets in East Suffolk with a really wonderful song. 

“Swap a Partridge in a Pear Tree for a Shopping Trip to Bungay – and I’m sure I will see you there!” 

The Think Local campaign is being delivered by East Suffolk Council through funding received from the ERDF Welcome Back Fund to support the safe return to high streets and help build back better from the pandemic.  

The campaign also champions Click It Local East Suffolk, a new virtual high street service that allows people to shop locally without leaving home. 

To follow the Twelve Days of Christmas campaign on social media, follow @eastsuffolkcouncil on Facebook and Instagram, or @EastSuffolk on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.